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This booklet is prepared under the authority of the

SECRETARY OF STATE

BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES

101 Hospital Street Augusta, Maine 04333

Phone: (207) 624-9000 Website: http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv

Bureau of Motor Vehicles Contacts

Service Contact

Registration EXT 52149

Driver License Renewals & Duplicates EXT 52114

License Suspensions EXT 52110

Driving Tests (Class C & Motorcycles) EXT 52119

Commercial Driver License (CDL) EXT 52122

Driver Education EXT 52128

TTY Users Maine Relay 711

Federal Contacts and Websites

Agency / Service Contact

FMCSA Maine Division (207) 512-3052

Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

Training Provider Registry https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov

TSA (Hazmat Endorsement) https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement

Table of Contents

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION ................................................................ 1-1 DRIVING SAFELY .............................................................. 2-1

TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY .................................. 3-1

TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ....................... 4-1

AIR BRAKES ...................................................................... 5-1

COMBINATION VEHICLES ................................................ 6-1

DOUBLES AND TRIPLES .................................................. 7-1

TANK VEHICLES ............................................................... 8-1

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ................................................ 9-1

SCHOOL BUSES ............................................................. 10-1

PRE-TRIP VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST ........................ 11-1

BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL SKILLS TEST ..................... 12-1

ON-ROAD DRIVING ......................................................... 13-1

Introduction

1) On October 26, 1986, Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This law requires each state to meet the same minimum standards for commercial driver licensing. The standards require commercial motor vehicle operators to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Under Maine law, you must have a CDL to operate any of the following vehicles:

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight.

• Any vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver.

• Any size vehicle that transports hazardous material requiring placarding under the federal Hazardous Material Transportation Act and related regulations In 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 172, subpart F.

Exemptions The following vehicles are exempt from the commercial licensing requirements:

• Firefighting apparatus as described in 49 code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005) being operated by a volunteer or full-time member of an organized municipal, state or federal fire department;

• Recreational vehicles for personal use;

• A driver to operate commercial motor vehicles for military purposes as required in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005);

• A driver to operate registered farm motor trucks bearing the letter “F” on the registration plate when the vehicle is:

(a) Controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by the farmer’s employees or family members; (b) Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies to or from a farm; (c) Not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier;

and (d) Used within 150 miles of the registered owner’s farm.

• A driver, employed by a city, town, county, district or other unit of local government created by or pursuant to law that has a total population of 3,000 individuals or less, to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the boundaries of that unit of local government for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, sanding or salting, if:

(a) The properly licensed employee who ordinarily operates a commercial motor vehicle for those purposes is unable to operate the vehicle; or

(b) The employing governmental entity determines that a snow or ice emergency exists that requires additional assistance.

• A person to operate a truck registered as an antique automobile, regardless of weight or combination weight, provided the vehicle is used for non commercial recreational purposes or purposes pursuant to Maine Motor Vehicle Statutes Title 29-A Section 101, subsection 3.

You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle; 21 years of age to operate a bus or carry hazardous materials.

Be sure to check with the Department of Public Safety, Motor Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit regarding vehicle operator limitations of commercial vehicles, concerning intrastate motor carriers, age requirements and any distance restrictions that may apply. Their telephone number is (207) 624-8909.

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Effective February 7, 2022 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented a new regulation requiring driver training for new CDL operators and those wishing to upgrade their existing CDL. For more ELDT information, access the website https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

2) How to Apply for a Commercial Driver’s Learner’s Permit (CLP) You may get an application for a Maine CDL from any office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or from most city or town offices. The CDL application is also available online at:

www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/forms

Important Notice: Federal regulations prohibit the use of interpreters when taking CDL knowledge examinations.

The application with the appropriate fees must be mailed to:

Secretary of State Bureau of Motor Vehicles State House Station 29 Attn: CDL Examination Section Augusta, Maine 04333 https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/forms

Your appointment will be scheduled through the main office in Augusta. An appointment notice showing the location, date and time for your knowledge test(s) will be returned to you. If you are applying for the skills test in addition to the written test, another appointment will be made for the off street skills and road test. This separate appointment is necessary due to the length of the examination and fulfills the fedral governments required 14 day waiting period.

Upon successful completion of the eye and knowledge examination, the appropriate learner’s permit will be issued along with a skills test request card.

Knowledge test applicants need to be thoroughly familiar with the information contained in this manual.

Limitations of the Learner’s Permit

While operating motor vehicles, the operator must:

1. Carry a valid learner’s permit properly signed by the person to whom it was issued and have it available to be produced upon the request of any law enforcement officer.

2. Be accompanied by a licensed operator who:

A. Holds a license with the corresponding class and endorsements which is valid covering the type of vehicle being operated.

B. Has held a valid license for two years.

C. Is occupying a seat beside the driver, and

D. Is at least 20 years of age or; is at least 22 years of age if the vehicle being driven is a bus or school bus.

A learner’s permit is valid for a limited time period or until the holder shall have received a Commercial Driver’s License.

It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles not covered by your class of license, including endorsements or learner’s permit.

Vision Requirements

The examiner will screen your vision. The minimum visual acuity (clearness of vision) is a distance rating of 20/40 with best eye. You must also have a field of vision total of at least 110 degrees. If you cannot attain the 20/40 visual acuity reading or have a field of vision of less than 110 degrees, the examiner will refer you to an eye doctor of your choice for a vision examination. No permit will be issued until you present a properly completed doctor referral form to show the visual requirements have been met. If you meet the visual requirements with glasses or contact lenses, the permit and operator’s license will be restricted to corrective lenses.

Change of Class, Restriction, or Endorsement

Drivers holding a Maine Commercial Driver’s License and who desire to amend their license for restriction removal, endorsement addition or change of class may do so at any time.

Upgrading CDL License Class

For a change of class, an applicant must apply and qualify on the knowledge examination, vision screening and be issued a learner’s permit and skills test request card. A skills test must be scheduled through the main office and the applicant must qualify on a skills test, pre-trip vehicle inspection, and road test for an upgraded CDL to be issued.

A Class “A” CDL with appropriate endorsements allows the operation in all of the other classes. A Class “B” CDL with appropriate endorsements allows operation in all classes except Class “A”.

A Class “C” CDL is limited to operation in that class only and must include an endorsement for passenger bus vehicles or hazardous materials.

Operation of Vehicles Equipped With Air Brakes Not Allowed Restriction

A component of the CDL test covers information about air braking systems. An applicant must qualify on this portion of the examination and must take the skills test in an air brake equipped vehicle in order to avoid the air brake restriction.

An air brake restriction will prohibit the driver from operating an air brake equipped vehicle.

To have the restriction removed, an applicant must apply and qualify on the air brake knowledge test and must qualify on the skills test in an air brake equipped vehicle. The driver accompanying the permit holder must have a license and appropriate endorsements or the test will be refused.

Endorsement There are six (6) endorsement knowledge tests available for the applicant wishing to operate specialized vehicles with specific loads. These endorsements have been coded to appear on the CDL document.

These endorsements include:

• N For the operation of tank vehicles only.

• H For the operation of vehicles carrying hazardous material when required to be placarded by Federal DOT regulation only.

• X For the operation of tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials. This combines the endorsements “N” and “H” into one.

• T For the operation of double/triple trailers where allowed by law. (Triple trailers not allowed in Maine.)

The N-H-X and T endorsements will be awarded to the CDL holder upon the successful completion of the knowledge examination only.

The remaining endorsements require the complete test including skills testing.

These include endorsements:

• P For the operation of passenger vehicles designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. The skills test for this endorsement must be completed in a vehicle representative of the type the driver operates or expects to operate in Class A, B or Class C.

• S For the operation of school buses designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. Applicants desiring this endorsement should review the school bus portion of this manual for specific information.

Successful qualification will also earn the endorsement P without an additional fee or further examination.

These endorsements can only be added to a Commercial Driver's License. If an applicant does not have a CDL, the endorsements will not be awarded until a CDL is obtained.

“3” endorsement

There is one type of school bus operation which does not require the driver to possess a CDL.

This school bus is designed to transport 15 passengers or fewer including the driver. The endorsement could be affixed to a non-commercial license. The applicant would submit to a school bus knowledge and skills test in a vehicle representative of this class with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less and would result in the awarding of endorsement “3".

3) SKILLS TESTING FOR CLASS “A”, CLASS

“B”, OR PASSENGER/SCHOOL BUS

VEHICLES

These tests are administered to check the drivers ability to maneuver the vehicle within a limited space to demonstrate the knowledge and ability needed to inspect the vehicles condition and drivability prior to on road driving and the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control over a predetermined road test route.

The skills test is broken down into three parts:

the off-road skills test, the pre-trip vehicle inspection, and on-road test.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SKILLS TEST?

In order to be scheduled for skills testing, you must mail the skill test request card to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta. An appointment notice will be returned to you indicating the place, date and time you are to appear for examination. You must be punctual! If you are late for an appointment, there is a chance the skills test will not be completed and another appointment will need to be scheduled.

There is a possibility that no portion of the test will be given due to the lack of available time.

If you do not notify the CDL examination section of an appointment cancellation within 48 hours, a penalty fee of $70.00 will be assessed before another date is scheduled. Failure to appear for testing without cancellation will result in no further notification until you have contacted the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, CDL Examination Section, Augusta, Maine 04333 indicating that you are now ready for examination. You will then be rescheduled as soon as possible. Do not submit a new application. Examinations are not conducted on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON

DAY OF EXAMS.

At the appointed time you must:

1. Present to the examiner the appointment notice properly completed and signed;

2. Present your learner’s permit and/or valid out of state license for the class of vehicle being operated;

3. Present the license of the person accompanying you which must be valid for the type of vehicle being operated. The accompanying operator must remain at the test site until the examination is completed. (An out of state licensee holding a valid license within the class of application does not need to be accompanied by a licensed operator.)

4. Present the valid registration(s) of the vehicles(s) being used for the test. No photocopies are permitted unless the vehicle is a rental unit or permission to photocopy has been granted by the Secretary of State in writing. A rental agreement will not be allowed as a substitution for the valid registration. The vehicle must also display a valid inspection sticker and must meet the state's minimum re-quirement for inspection.

5. If the application was made for a change of class of license, the Maine license and any other valid licenses must be surrendered to the examiner.

4) DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES

Class A: any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. A Class A license is a commercial driver’s license.

Holders of a Class A license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in Class B and Class C;

Class B: any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight A Class B license is a commercial driver’s license. Holders of a Class B license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in Class C;

Class C: any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definitions of Class A or Class B. A Class C license is a commercial driver’s license only if it carries an endorsement under 29-A MRSA Section 1253, subsection 3. Holders of a Class C license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in that class.

No person except the applicant and the examiner will be permitted in the vehicle(s) during any part of the test.

The applicant must supply a vehicle for the skills test in the class applied for. Vehicles that are placarded for hazardous materials may not be used for road testing purposes.

NOTE: Highway use restrictions prohibit combination vehicles exceeding 74 feet in length or combination vehicles having a trailer which exceeds 53 feet in length to be used for testing purposes.

The road test will be refused if the load on the vehicle is not secured to prevent it from shifting, leaking, or dropping or if it's carrying a cargo or part of a cargo consisting of:

• Explosives

• Flammable material or

• Dangerous Articles

The tailgate should be closed and secured except where the load makes it impossible.

Upon passing all phases of the skills test, the applicant must surrender the learner’s permit in order to receive a Commercial Drivers License.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act passed by Congress requires that any commercial vehicle skills or road testing be conducted in a vehicle representative of the type which the applicant operates or expects to operate.

Social Security Number Disclosure Statement This statement is made in accordance with the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, Section 7 (b).

Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory and is required by 29-A MRSA Section (5) and (6) to apply for or renew a driver’s license or nondriver identification card.

Your social security number will be used solely for identification purposes and will be kept confidential.

5) Special Procedure for Obtaining a School Bus Endorsement The applicant for school bus licensing must determine exactly what type of vehicle they will be operating or will be expecting to operate. If the bus has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, the applicant must have or be willing to obtain a Class “B” commercial driver’s license. If the bus has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less and is designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver, the applicant must have a Class “C” commercial driver’s license or equivalent. If the bus has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less and is designed to transport 15 passengers or less, the school bus endorsement can be added to a regular operator’s license.

In addition to the appropriate class of commercial driver’s license, the applicant must also obtain the endorsement for passenger vehicles (bus) if they expect to operate vehicles designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. This endorsement will be automatically built into the school bus knowledge test and will be affixed to the applicant’s commercial driver’s license along with the school bus endorsement without the applicant being required to pay an additional fee.

To obtain an examination, the applicant must file a completed CDL application form, a completed physical examination form and the appropriate examination fees. The material must be sent to:

Secretary of State Bureau of Motor Vehicles State House Station 29 Attn: CDL Examination Section Augusta, Maine 04333

CDL examination applications are available through the above address or online at;

www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/forms

Upon receipt of the application and applicable fees, the CDL examination section will assign a place, date and time for testing.

School Bus Operator’s Examination The school bus operator’s examination is administered in three phases; the knowledge test, the skills test and the actual driving demonstration of the school bus.

Knowledge Tests These tests consist of multiple choice questions pertaining to the information contained in the Commercial Driver License Manual.

Visual Screening This test consists of a check of visual acuity (clearness of vision to a far point) and field of vision. This examination will be conducted at time of written examination.

School Bus Permit Upon successful qualification of the knowledge and vision tests, the applicant will be issued a learner’s permit that will allow the school bus to be operated for practice purposes only. The applicant must have an accompanying operator who is at least 22 years of age, has had a school bus license for at least a year and is occupying a seat in the immediate area of the driver. Also issued to the applicant will be a skills/road test request card that can be mailed to the CDL Examination Section when the applicant wishes to be scheduled for the skills/road test.

Skills Test This test is administered both off and on the road to determine whether an applicant has the ability and safe skill necessary for safe school bus operation. The applicant must complete the off road skills test that duplicates those maneuvers included in the skills test for a Class “B” commercial driver’s license with one exception.

Instead of an alley dock maneuver, the applicant will demonstrate the bus turnaround.

Pre-Trip Equipment Check Prior to completing the off road skills test, the applicant will demonstrate the pre-trip equipment check which is explained in Section 2 and 11 of this manual. The applicant will point and explain to the examiner what parts of the bus are being checked and why. The examiner will maintain a score sheet on the applicant’s performance. The applicant must properly check 80% of the items included in the check to qualify. If the applicant is not able to successfully complete the pre-trip vehicle inspection, the examiner will review the missed items constituting reason for disqualification with the applicant and the test will end. If the bus is found to be improperly equipped or is unsafe to be operated on the road, the on-road test will be rescheduled for a later date.

http://www.state.me.us/sos/bmv/forms/CDL_school_bus.pdf

6) Hazmat Endorsement Information

The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S.

Department of Transportation have issued rules to secure the transport of hazardous materials, including explosives. The rules require a security threat assessment on commercial drivers certified to transport hazardous materials (hazmat). The security threat assessment includes the collection of an individual’s fingerprints, and verification of United States Citizenship, immigration eligibility or permanent legal presence in the United States.

Additional information is available at the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov (Once at the site, use search word “HAZMAT”).

Once you have passed the hazardous materials written examination, you may begin the fingerprint/background records check process. The fees associated with that requirement are $89.25 and must be paid to the TSA agent. The TSA agent has established a helpdesk information telephone number 1 877 429-7746 and a website https://universalenroll.dhs.gov.

Aaron Hayden Cross-Out

Commercial Driver’s License Manual – Modernized Testing System

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-1 Version: July 2017

Section 1

INTRODUCTION

This Section Covers

• Commercial Driver License Tests

• Medical Requirements

• Driver Disqualifications

• Other Safety Rules

• International Registration Program

There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers.

This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information.

You must have a CDL to operate:

• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

• A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).

• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73.

Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information.

(Your state may have additional definitions of CMVs.)

CDL Classifications

The CDL vehicle classification included in the federal standard, together with the type of cargo to be transported, determine what type of CDL license and endorsement an applicant must apply for. There are three basic vehicle classes or groups:

Class A Combination Vehicles. Any combination of vehicles with gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds falls in Group A provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. Most Class A vehicles are trucks such as truck-tractor/semi-trailer or truck and trailer combinations. However, tractor-trailer buses may be found in a few communities. Driving a Class A vehicle requires considerably more skill and knowledge than driving vehicles in Classes B and C.

Since these skills include those required to drive a B and C vehicle, a driver who has a Class A license also may drive vehicles in Classes B and C.

Class B Heavy Straight Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds falls in Group B, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class B includes straight trucks and large buses, including articulated buses. Safely driving these heavy vehicles requires considerably more knowledge and skill than driving the small trucks and buses found in Class C. Since they include the skills required to drive Class C vehicles, drivers who have qualified for a Class B license may also drive vehicles in Class C.

Class C Small Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds falls in Group C, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. However, vehicles of this size are included in the CDL program only if they are: 1) Designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or (2) Used to transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F) or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73.

There are a great variety of vehicles in Class C.

Some rather large Class C vehicles may require more skill and knowledge to operate than do the smaller ones. However, the licensing category is based principally on the type of cargo carried.

Because of the seriousness of an accident involving hazardous material or human passengers, the safe operation of even the smaller vehicles in Class C requires special knowledge and the drivers of these vehicles must have a CDL.

STATE OPTIONS: Some states may include more drivers and vehicles in their CDL programs. For example, in some states, a CDL may be required for buses designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers. Going beyond the federal standard is

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-2 acceptable and the state will need to decide which battery of tests applies to these drivers or develop a new battery.

CDL Endorsements & Restrictions

Endorsements

All commercial drivers who drive certain types of vehicles or haul certain types of cargo must add endorsements to their CDL license and/or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to show that they have the specialized knowledge required for these operations. There are six kinds of CDL endorsements that may be required, depending on the vehicle or type of cargo.

NOTE: The only endorsements that may be added to a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) are:

- Passenger (P);

- School bus (S); and

- Tank vehicle (N).

Double and Triple Trailers (T). Many drivers who are qualified to drive Class A vehicles may wish to pull double or triple trailers. Research shows that considerable additional knowledge and skill is necessary to safely pull double and triple trailers in various traffic conditions and driving environments.

Consequently, adding the endorsement to the licenses of Class A drivers is necessary if they wish to pull double or triple trailers. A special knowledge examination on the problems associated with pulling multiple trailers must be passed.

Tank Vehicle (N). Drivers of any commercial motor vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis must obtain this endorsement. Applies to Class A, B and C (only applicable to Class C if the vehicle is hauling hazardous materials) vehicles. Liquids in bulk cause driving control problems because the cargo is heavy, prone to shifting, and has a high center of gravity. These drivers must pass a special knowledge examination on the problems posed by large volume liquid cargos to add the endorsement to their CDL/CLP.

Passengers (P). Drivers who wish to drive a vehicle having a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, must add a passenger endorsement to their CDL/CLP. They must pass a special knowledge examination on safety considerations when transporting passengers and must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a bus in any class (A, B, or C).

Hazardous Materials (H). Any driver, regardless of the vehicle Class/Group (A, B, or C) who wishes to haul any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172;

or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin 42 CFR Part 73 must add a hazardous materials endorsement to their CDL.

S/he must pass a special written examination on how to recognize, handle, and transport hazardous materials.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Department of Transportation require background checks on commercial drivers who are certified to transport hazardous materials. The background checks include a review of criminal, immigration and FBI records. If the driver is found to represent a security threat, TSA will notify the person and the state will deny issuance of an endorsement.

Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (X). Drivers of tank vehicles who haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring placards must add an X endorsement to their CDL, showing that they have passed the special knowledge examinations for both tank vehicles and hazardous materials.

School Buses (S). Drivers who wish to drive a school bus, must add a school bus endorsement to their CDL/CLP. They must pass a special knowledge examination on safety considerations when transporting passengers in a school bus and must pass skills tests in a school bus. The endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a school bus in any class (A, B, or C).

In addition to these six required endorsements, states may add special endorsements of their own as they see fit.

Restrictions

Restrictions may be added to Commercial Driver Licenses/Permits based upon the type of vehicle and equipment that the driver uses for the Skills Test. There are ten standardized restriction codes.

NOTE: If a CLP is issued with a Passenger (P) or a School Bus (S) endorsement, it must also contain a

(P) – No passengers in a CMV bus restriction.

If a CLP is issued with a Tanker (N) endorsement, it must also contain a (X) – No cargo in a CMV tank vehicle.

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-3

(E) - No manual transmission. If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, an automatic transmission includes any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift and clutch principle.

(K) - Intrastate only: If an applicant certifies their status as either Non-Excepted Intrastate or Excepted Intrastate, the state must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that person is restricted from operating a CMV in interstate commerce. States may impose this restriction for reasons other than those specified above.

(L) - No Air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the State must indicate on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any type of air brakes. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, air brakes include any braking system operating fully or partially on the air brake principle.

(M) - No Class A passenger vehicle: If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Group B CDL, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Group A CDL.

(N) - No Class A and B passenger vehicle: If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Group C CDL, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Group A or B CDL

(O) - No tractor trailer CMV: If an applicant performs the skills test in a combination vehicle for a Group A CDL with the power unit and towed unit connected with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Group A CDL.

An applicant who passes a skills test using a combination vehicle that is NOT a Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer combination, but is otherwise equipped with a fifth wheel, will be issued a CDL with an “O” restriction.

(P) - No passengers in CMV bus: A CLP holder with a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by § CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this part.

A CLP holder with a S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by § CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this part.

(V) - Medical Variance: If the State is notified according to § 383.73(o)(3) that the driver has been issued a medical variance, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driver record and the CDL document, if issued, using the restriction code ‘‘V’’ to indicate there is information about a medical variance on the CDLIS driver record.

(X) - No cargo in CMV tank vehicle: A CLP holder with an N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue.

(Z) - No full air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, air over hydraulic brakes includes any braking system operating partially on the air brake and partially on the hydraulic brake principle.

Any additional jurisdictional restrictions that apply to the CLP driving privilege.

To Get a CDL or CLP

To get a CDL or CLP, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests; however, it is not a substitute for a commercial vehicle training class or program.

Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a commercial vehicle. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL.

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-4

Figure 1.1

NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle.

Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-5

1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests

1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include:

• The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants.

• The passenger transport test, taken by all bus driver applicants.

• The air brakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.

• The combination vehicles test, which is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.

• The hazardous materials test, which is required if you want to haul hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. In order to obtain this endorsement, you are also required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.

• The tank vehicle test, which is required if you want to haul any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis

• The doubles/triples test, which is required if you want to pull double or triple trailers.

• The school bus test, which is required if you want to drive a school bus.

1.1.2 – Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills test when you are eligible. The CDL Skills Test consists of three segments:

Vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take the segments in the order listed and must pass each one before moving to the next. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled cannot be used for the CDL Skills Test.

Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive.

You will be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your vehicle. You must point to/touch and name the item you are inspecting and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.

Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.

On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual you should study for each particular class of license and for each endorsement.

What Sections Should You Study?

LICENSE

TYPE

ENDORSEMENT

C la s s A

C la s

B la s

H a z a rd o u

M te ria ls

D o u b le

T rip le

T n k

V e h ic le

P s s e n g e r

S c h o o l B u

S e c tio n s to

S tu d y

1 X X X

2 X X X X X X

3 X X X

4 X

X X X X

6 X X X

7 X

8 X

9 X X

X

X X X X X

X X X X X

X X X X X

*Study section 5 if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Figure 1.2 – What to Study

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1.2 – Medical Documentation Requirements

Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than January 30, 2014, if you are applying for a CDL Permit; or are renewing, upgrading, adding endorsements to a CDL; or transferring a CDL from another state, you are required to provide information to your State Driver’s License Agency (SDLA) regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle operation you drive in or expect to drive in with your CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate and/or any medical variance documents that you have been issued (i.e. Vision, Skills Performance or Diabetic waivers, or other exemptions) to your SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of your driving record. You must contact your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) to obtain information regarding the requirement for submitting these documents.

If you are required to have a ”certified” medical status and fail to provide and keep up-to-date your medical examiner’s certificate you become ”not-certified” and may lose your CDL.

For the purpose of complying with the new requirements for medical certification, it is important to know how you are using the CMV.

The following information will help you decide how to self-certify:

1.2.1 – Interstate or Intrastate Commerce

Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce?

Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV:

• From one State to another State or a foreign country;

• Between two places within a State, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another State or foreign country; or

• Between two places within a State, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another State or foreign country.

Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a State and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce.

If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce.

1.2.2 – Inter/Intrastate Commerce: Status Non-excepted or Excepted?

Once you decide whether you will operate in interstate commerce or intrastate commerce, you must decide whether you will operate (or expect to operate) in a non-excepted or excepted status. This decision will tell you to which of the four types of commerce you must self-certify.

Interstate Commerce:

You operate in excepted interstate commerce when you drive a CMV in interstate commerce only for the following excepted activities:

• To transport school children and/or school staff between home and school;

• As Federal, State, or local government employees;

• To transport human corpses or sick or injured persons;

• Fire truck or rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies and other related activities;

• Primarily in the transportation of propane winter heating fuel when responding to an emergency condition requiring immediate response such as damage to a propane gas system after a storm or flooding;

• In Response to a pipeline emergency condition requiring immediate response such as a pipeline leak or rupture;

• In custom harvesting on a farm or to transport farm machinery and supplies used in the custom harvesting operation to and from a farm or to transport custom harvested crops to storage or market;

• Beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees;

• Controlled and operated by a farmer, but is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies (no placardable hazardous materials) to and from a farm and within 150 air-miles of the farm;

• As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business purposes; or

• To transport migrant workers.

If you answered yes to one or more of the above activities as the only operation in which you drive, you operate in excepted interstate commerce and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate.

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If you answered no to all of the above activities, you operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and are required to provide a current medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR 391.45),commonly referred to as a medical certificate or DOT card, to your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). Most CDL holders who drive CMVs in interstate commerce are non-excepted interstate commerce drivers.

If you operate in both excepted interstate commerce and non-excepted interstate commerce, you must choose non-excepted interstate commerce to be qualified to operate in both types of interstate commerce.

Intrastate Commerce:

You operate in excepted Intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce activities for which your State of licensure has determined do not require you to meet the State’s medical certification requirements. (contact your SDLA about their requirements).

You operate in non-excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are required to meet your State of licensure’s medical certification requirements (contact your SDLA about their requirements).

If you operate in both excepted intrastate commerce and non-excepted intrastate commerce, you must choose non-excepted intrastate commerce.

1.2.3 – Self-Certification Statements

When completing an application for your CDL, you will be required to check the box next to the statement that describes your status. The actual statements on your application may vary from those shown below:

Interstate non-excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, that I am subject to and meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements under 49 CFR part 391; and that I am required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.

Interstate excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, but engage exclusively in transportation or operations excepted under 49 CFR §§390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68 or 398.3 from all or parts of the qualification requirements of 49 CFR part 391;

and that I am not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.

Intrastate non-excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate entirely in intrastate commerce, that I am subject to and meet the medical requirements for my State;

and that I am required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.

Intrastate excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate entirely in intrastate commerce, that I am not subject to the medical requirements for my State; and that I am not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.

1.3 - CDL Disqualifications

1.3.1 – General

You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified for any reason.

1.3.2 – Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony

It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you operate a CMV, you shall be deemed to have given your consent to alcohol testing.

You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for:

• Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher.

• Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol.

• Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.

• Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance.

• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a

CMV.

• Committing a felony involving the use of a

CMV.

• Driving a CMV when the CDL is suspended.

• Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV.

You will lose your CDL for at least three years if the offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials.

You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense.

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You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances.

You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%.

1.3.3 – Serious Traffic Violations

Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL or having a CDL in the driver’s possession, and driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements.

You will lose your CDL:

• For at least 60 days if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.

• For at least 120 days for three or more serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.

1.3.4 – Violation of Out-of-Service Orders

You will lose your CDL:

• [For at least 90 days if you have committed your first violation of an out-of-service order.

• For at least one year if you have committed two violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period.

• For at least three years if you have committed three or more violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period].

1.3.5 – Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations

You will lose your CDL:

• For at least 60 days for your first violation.

• For at least 120 days for your second violation within a three-year period.

• For at least one year for your third violation within a three-year period.

These violations include violation of a federal, state, or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing:

• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear.

• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.

• For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing.

• For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.

• For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing.

• For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

1.3.6 –…